Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, July 31, 2017 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Pastor Kurt Sanders officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. Monday until the funeral hour at 1:00 p.m. at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Mr. Owens was born on January 11, 1943 in Benton, Illinois, the son of Ransome Owens and Louise (McDonald) Owens. He married the former Myrna Kay Simmons on November 23, 1963; she preceded him in death on April 12, 2016.

Mike worked as a machinist with Air Stamping in Christopher, Illinois. He also received an accommodation for his help in working on the Apollo 8 Space Mission.

He was a member of the B.P.O.E. 1234, Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2898, Boneyard Boccie Ball Club, all of Benton.

He is survived by two sons: Doug Owens and wife Melissa of Sherman, IL, Steve Owens and wife Beth of Benton; five grandchildren: Mitchell Owens and Jared Owens both of Sherman, IL, Josh Owens, Sam Owens, and Amelia Owens all of Benton; special friend Alyce Coleman of Benton; a brother Tim Owens of Atlanta, GA; a sister Brenda Beasley of West Frankfort, IL; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, two brothers Bill and Wayne Owens, and two sisters Joy Johnson and Mary Hammel.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Benton Ministerial Alliance or to the American Cancer Society.

To leave online condolences to the family or to share memories of Michael, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com